You can always get a doctor to get rid of your skin tags; however, because it is generally considered a cosmetic problem, many insurance companies won't cover the procedure. This leaves you paying a large bill for what is considered a fairly simple process. Before you head off to the doctors office, why not try these simple home methods for getting rid of skin tags.
The first option you have for getting rid of your skin tags is to simply cut them off. It is important to note when doing this that there is a serious risk of infection if you use this method improperly. You should not only use brand new implements for this procedure, but you should also sterilize them first.
You can clean them either by soaking them in a sanitizer (the kind you clean yourself with, not your house) or putting them in fire for a minute or so. Just be sure to let them cool first if you put them in fire. You can clip off the skin tags with small scissors, but you may find it easier to use nail clippers. Simply snip the tag off at the bottom near the healthy skin. This sounds like it hurts a lot, but is generally not too painful. Be sure to have cotton balls or bandages around though, just in case you do bleed some.
Another method for skin tag removal is freezing them off. Doctors often use this method for getting rid of skin tags and warts, but products have come on the market in recent years for doing this at home. Simply find the product at a grocery store and follow the instructions. Because these kits are small and less effective than what a doctor uses, you should probably only consider this method for small tags.
The last home option available for getting rid of skin tags is to cut off their blood supply. This sounds slightly dangerous, but is probably the safest of the home removal options. In this method, you cut off the blood supply to the skin tag by tying string very tightly around the base of the tag.
Depending on the location of your skin tags, you will probably need help tying the string tight enough. Remember to use strong string and to tie it as tightly as possible. You will need to knot the string and keep in on for a few days. After the tag has been cut off from the blood supply, it will eventually die and simply fall off.
While these remedies may be effective for getting rid of skin tags, there are some instances where you should see a doctor instead. There are rare occasions where a skin tag can be malignant, so if you have one dramatically change size or color, you should see a doctor. You should also consult a doctor if anything goes wrong with the removal or if the entire tag doesn't come off. Again, remember to be safe, sterilize, and get someone to help you if you need it.
